Ranking the 10 Best Young Football Players in the World – 2025

The New-age young football players are on the rise in the world of football, it’s fair to say that, they have brought significant excitement with their skills, setting new records and benchmarks in the game at such a young age. In recent times, we have seen numerous prodigies rise to fame across all the top five leagues, clubs and the biggest footballing nations like Spain, England, and Brazil. Therefore, we are going to explore who are the top 10 best young football players currently and have managed to leave their mark on the global stage.

These young players are not just future prospects of a club, they are already making their mark among the best footballers in the world. With every passing game they are improving themselves. Their skills, confidence, and game sense reflect players far beyond their age. Top clubs are battling to secure their signings, knowing these talents could define the next decade, and the sporting project can be built around these players. Fans are falling in love with their energy, fearlessness, and hunger to succeed.

Ranking Factors

Age: Young football players are ranked higher if they perform well beyond their age . A 17-year-old competing at senior level shows exceptional promise its is something which is not natural either the player has great skills or worked really hard to get there. The younger the talent, the greater the long-term potential and scope of improvement in their already owned skills. Maximum age in our list will be 23 years.

Performance: Consistent stats like goals, assists, key passes, interceptions and tackles matter the most. Strong performances in top leagues or tournaments will impact their ranking in our list. Form across the 2024–25 season plays a major role.

Impact in Team: Players who carry their team or their team plays around them, which make them more crucial piece in the team will get extra points in this list. Starting regularly and performing under pressure is key. Leadership and presence, even at a young age, reflect high impact. This factor will see player’s importance in their respective field.

Top 10 Best Young Football Player

10. Estevão Willian (17) Palmeiras

Estevao is our latest addition in the list of young football players. At number 10 we have Estevao Willian from Brazil. Nicknamed “Messinho,” Estevão Willian is Brazil’s latest attacking jewel. Still at Palmeiras, he’s dazzled with 6 goals and 1 assists in 2024/25. Chelsea secured his signature for 2025, beating competition from Europe’s top clubs. His flair and football IQ are exceptional for his age. At his age we can only remember Neymar Jr playing this good in Brazil.

Estevão can play on either wing, often cutting in to score or assist. His close control and quick feet make him hard to contain. With a move to the Premier League pending, expectations are sky-high. Chelsea fans are counting down the days. Estevao’s smooth dribbling makes him uniques from other players. He has 21 Appearances this season.

Factors	Stats
Age	17
Appearances	21
Goals	6
Assists	1

9. Desire Doue (19) – PSG

Desire Doue’s move from Rennes to PSG in 2024 turned out to be a masterstroke. He has lit up Ligue 1 with 6 goals and 7 assists in the 2024/25 season. His dribbling, creativity, and flair on the left wing remind many of a young Neymar. He’s earned his first France senior call-up. Some of the club fans say that Desire Doue has a reflection of Neymar Jr. and he will end his career being one of the most successful footballers. Seeing him combining with forwards no one can say that he is only 19 year old. He is one of the most promising young football players. He will climb up the ranks in the young football players list if he performs in the same way he is doing right now.

Doue’s agility and versatility allow him to play across attacking roles. He can beat defenders one-on-one or create chances through tight spaces. PSG sees him as a long-term asset in their new youth-centric vision. The Parc des Princes has found its new entertainer. At 19 years of age we have seen very less player dribbling so good , diving past defenders smoothly and got a good finishing. His performance in UEFA Champions league knockout has drawn attention from all over the world.

Factors	Stats
Age	19
Appearances	45
Goals	13
Assists	12

8. Kobbie Mainoo (20) – Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the biggest finds at Manchester United in the season 2024/25. A reliable presence in midfield, he’s calm in possession and composed under pressure. With Important performances in FA Cup and league games, he has earned Erik ten Hag’s full trust and Backing. Fans already see him as a future captain at the Manchester United. At 20 years of age being so important in a team says a lot about a player.

His close control, ball retention, and tactical maturity make him stand out. Mainoo plays beyond his years, often dictating tempo with simple yet sharp passes. England has found a gem in him. He’s a key pillar in United’s rebuild. Kobbie Mainoo has only 29 appearances this season till now and has scored 2 goals and helped his team with assist 1 time.

Factors	Stats
Age	20
Appearances	29
Goals	2
Assists	1

7. Endrick (18) – Real Madrid

After becoming the youngest player to score for Brazil on the international stage after a gap of almost 30 years, the 17-year-old Endrick has shown that he is one of the rising stars of world football and one to watch out for in the future. At the club level, he finally completed his move to the Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and immediately impressed the fans and Carlo Ancelloti scoring two goals so far this season. Endrick is a complete number 9 striker having all the skills required by a lethal striker.

His rise from the Brazilian club Palmeiras as a teenager at the age of 15 depicts an epic example for those dreaming of making it big on their own. He had caught the eye with his mesmerizing, skillful, and consistent performances in the last year and subsequently earned a contract from Los Blancos. Moreover, he has also made the mark at the international level for Brazil and that too at such a young age reflects the head that he has on his shoulder.

Factors	Stats
Age	18
Appearances	32
Goals	7
Assists	1

Also Read: List of Top 10 Highest Paid players in the world

6. Warren Zaire Emery (18) – PSG

Warren Zaire Emery plays for Paris Saint Germain. Emery is a home grown prodigy who has helped PSG do wonders this season whether it is Ligue 1 or UEFA Champions League. By age 18, he had already captained Paris Saint Germain and made over 80 senior appearances. His tactical intelligence and physical presence have impressed across Ligue 1 and Europe. Luis Enrique trusts him in big matches. The Parisian has contributed a lot in midfield for PSG.

His presence in midfield has turned out to be crucial in many games. He is part of Paris Saint Germain’s long term plan and Luis Enrique has helped him in being one of the best young midfielders in the world right now. PSG has performed exceptionally well this season in both League 1 and UEFA Champions League in which Emery has played a significant role. This season Warren-Zaire Emery represented PSG 40 times and he has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist.

Factors	Stats
Age	19
Appearances	40
Goals	3
Assists	1

5. Pau Cubarsí (17) – FC Barcelona

Pau Cubarsí burst onto the scene as a fearless centre-back with elite positioning and passing. In just a few months, he’s earned Xavi’s trust and become a regular in Barcelona’s backline. He recently became the youngest defender to start a Champions League quarter-final. His composure at 17 is incredible. He is able to bench player like Ronald Araujo tells a lot about him. Hansi Flick’s trust has boosted his confidence, he has one of the most appearances in the team (49). His ball playing ability by which he is able to deceive opponent’s press is amazing

A La Masia graduate, Cubarsí has drawn comparisons to Piqué for his reading of the game. He rarely rushes challenges and builds play confidently from the back. Barcelona have already locked him with a €500M buyout clause. He’s the spine of the club’s future. Being a defender he has scored a goal and provided 4 assists in the attacking third. Players like Pau Cubarsi are gems for footballing world.

Factors	Stats
Age	18
Appearances	49
Goals	1
Assists	4

4. Jamal Musiala (22) – FC Bayern Munich

At number 4 we have a entry from Bundesliga, FC Bayern Munich player Jamal Musiala. Musiala’s low center of gravity and pace makes him nightmare for defenders. His smooth dribbling skills will drive past any defense in matter seconds. A regular starter for the German side FC Bayern Munich – he plays like an artist working on his artwork focused, calmly and creative. He is one of the key factors in the team.

Jamal Musiala has scored 18 goals this season FC Bayern Munich alongside his 8 assists. He is a Vital piece in Bayern’s attack nicknamed ‘BAMBI’ for his elegant style, Musiala is a big match player. Not only on the pitch he is calm and composed, he is same person outside the pitch also. His UCL performances consistently draw praises from legends of the game. He glides past opponents with ease and sets up teammates in tight spaces. Germany sees him as a generational talent.

Factors	Stats
Age	22
Appearances	40
Goals	18
Assists	8

Also Read: Premier League Top 20 highest earners in 2024

3. Florian Wirtz (21) – Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz was one of the important players in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run last season under Xabi Alonso. contributing 18 goals and 20 assists last season. His chemistry with his coach Xabi Alonso’s gameplay has lifted his playstyle and now he is contributing a lot for his team. Wirtz loves to combine up top with strikers and attacking mid fielders. His vision, technique and skills make him unique player.

Florian Wirtz who is 21 year old has provided 13 and assists and found back of the net 15 times in the season 2024/25. Despite a major injury in 2022, Wirtz bounced back stronger than ever. His decision-making under pressure and ability to dictate tempo of the game make him special. Clubs across Europe are monitoring him closely. With maturity and magic on the ball, Wirtz is built for big stages.

Factors	Stats
Age	21
Appearances	41
Goals	15
Assists	13

2. Jude Bellingham (21) – Real Madrid

In 2024 Jude Bellingham was the top scorer for Real Madrid, the player started showing his class from last season. Jude Bellingham has appeared in 45 games for Real Madrid and scored 13 goals while providing 13 assists in the 2024/25 season for Madrid in all competitions. Jude Bellingham role this season has changed a little, while he was seen in attacking more previous season, this season Carlo Ancelloti has changed his role to Box-2-Box Midfielder. Jude Bellingham is helping in attack as well as in defense.

His intelligence and movement between lines makes him unique from other players of same age. Jude Bellingham is a creative engine in short for Real Madrid. The best part is his ability to perform in pressure situations, How many times he has saved Madrid by scoring or creating last minute chances for his team. In true sense he is a Madridista.

Factors	Stats
Age	21
Appearances	45
Goals	13
Assists	13

1. Lamine Yamal (17) – FC Barcelona

Coming up from the ranks of Barcelona’s youth set-up, the Spanish prodigy has steadily climbed the charts in world football. He has proved to be one of the most influential players for the La Liga club in recent times. He is currently the best young football player. The 16-year-old Spanish winger has surprised fans with his knowledge and understanding of the game.

Lamine Yamal has made himself a prominent name in Barca’s team sheet in a very short space of time. Also, to made his debut for Spain at such a young age and went on to win the European Championship 2024 with Spain illuminating the continent with his outrageous campaign. Time and over again he has proven his credentials on the pitch, becoming the best prodigy in world football. Due to his contribution in both La Liga, Copa Del Rey and UEFA Champions trophy, the club is in front position to win those trophies

Factors	Stats
Age	17
Appearances	46
Goals	14
Assists	22

List of Best Young Football Players

Ranking	Name	Age	Club	Country
1	Lamine Yamal	17	FC Barcelona	Spain
2	Jude Bellingham	21	Real Madrid	England
3	Florian Wirtz	21	Bayer 04 Leverkusen	Germany
4	Jamal Musiala	22	Bayern Munich	Germany
5	Pau Cubarsi	17	FC Barcelona	Spain
6	Warren Zaire Emery	18	PSG	France
7	Endrick	18	Real Madrid	Brazil
8	Kobbie Mainoo	19	Manchester United	England
9	Desire Doue	19	PSG	France
10	Estevao	17	Palmeiras	Brazil

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